- When is the Great Migration?
- What is included in the program cost?
- Are your tours escorted?
- What is the minimum age for children?
- How long have you been in business?
- Where do I get a passport? / Do I need visas?
- What immunizations are required?
- Will someone meet me at the airport?
- What type of food can I expect?
- What size aircraft will be used on the internal flights?
- Is internet access available?
- How many passengers are in a vehicle?
- How is the weather?
- What type of clothing should I wear?
- Will my cell phone work while on safari?
When is the Great Migration?
In general, the herds can be found amidst the short grasses of Serengeti National Park from November to May. From January onward, wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle alternate between the woodlands and plains depending on the weather. In May, as the grasses become dry, the herds begin the roughly 500-mile Migration. They move north, and by June they are in the more lush plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is where they generally stay until October or November.
What is included in the program cost?
Circle of Life Safaris includes airport arrival assistance, all transfers for airport/hotel/hosted activities, all hotel/lodge/camp accommodations, most meals as outlined in the detailed itinerary, all park entrance fees, guides throughout the trip, all domestic flights, Circle of Life Safaris Travel Headquarters support for assistance with extensions.
In general the expenses you will need to anticipate are passport and visa costs, immunizations, personal expenses such as phone calls, souvenirs, laundry, and gratuity for guides, wait staff for meals and luggage porters.
Are your tours escorted?
Yes. Circle of Life Safaris’ experienced guides are carefully selected to enhance your experience. Not only will they be your friends, teachers and fellow travelers while in the bush, but their presence guarantees seamless passage through hotels and airports.
What is the minimum age for children?
Our safaris can usually be tailored to accommodate any age. Please call Circle of Life Safaris Travel Headquarters at 1-832-381-2270 with any questions regarding accommodations for children.
How long have you been in business?
Scott Andrews, President and Founder of Circle of Life Safaris, has been delighting customers with luxury travel for more than 25 years.
Where do I get a passport? / Do I need visas?
All travelers must have a valid passport to travel to Tanzania. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond departure date and at least three blank visa pages. Please note that the last few pages of US passports are amendment/endorsements pages; these pages do not qualify as visa pages. For more information on how to apply for a passport, go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
U.S. Citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Tanzania. These can be arranged in advance through the embassy (tanzaniaembassy-us.org) or upon arrival at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport. Upon landing follow the signs marked Arrivals/Immigration/Passport Control to the Immigration Hall. Purchase a tourist visa from the immigration official whom will examine your documents and stamp the visa and arrival entry into the passport.
What immunizations are required?
You may review the CDC guidelines at www.cdc.gov or by calling 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747). Please consult your physician well in advance of your departure to discuss specific recommendations before you travel. It is always wise to carefully assess your health requirements before traveling abroad.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes. You will be greeted by a Circle of Life Safaris representative who will take you swiftly to the comfort of your luxurious modern hotel after passing through customs. Circle of Life Safaris is pleased to welcome you to Tanzania.
What type of food can I expect?
Our hotels, lodges and camps offer continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Meats, vegetables and fruits are freshly sourced from surrounding farms. For those guests with dietary requirements please notify Circle of Life Safaris Travel Headquarters prior to arrival and most requests can be graciously accommodated at hotels, lodges and camps.
What size aircraft will be used on the internal flights?
The size of aircraft can vary based on the number of people who are traveling from a particular location. The aircraft we use is the best available in the bush. In addition, the pilots who fly these planes have often spent their entire lives in the bush. They are highly qualified and usually great sources of information about Tanzania.
Is internet access available?
Computers with internet access are available in most hotels. However, lodges and camps rarely have computers available. Travelers should not count on keeping touch with home via email.
How many passengers are in a vehicle?
Our safari vehicles are designed for comfort and excellent game viewing. Your vehicle will typically have no more than four passengers. Some tours will take place in a slightly larger safari vehicle with more passengers. If you would like a private vehicle, let us know when you are booking your safari and we will be happy to arrange this for you for an additional fee.
How is the weather?
East Africa enjoys a mild climate with temperatures varying little during the year. In Tanzania, a blissful 70 degrees Fahrenheit greets most days with evening lows near 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The elevated altitudes keep temperatures comfortable, even calling for sweaters and jackets every evening and morning. Although the sun is intense, early mornings and evenings can get quite cool. Days are typically consistent in length with sunrise about 6:20 a.m. and sunset about 6:30 p.m. Some rain may fall, making the bush lush and green. Every season, whether slightly warmer or cooler, offers thoroughly agreeable weather for all safari activities.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Your clothing should be comfortable and casual. Khaki, olive, brown and tan clothing increases your chances of seeing wildlife. Evenings are not formal. Casual, comfortable clothing is encouraged throughout your trip.
Will my cell phone work while on safari?
Contact your service provider regarding international roaming service which is not automatically enabled on cell phones. Your service provider should be able to offer the most up-to-date information regarding coverage and options in East Africa.